Military history, commemoration and education thrives in Maryborough

10 October 2018

Military history, commemoration and education thrives in Maryborough
Maryborough residents’ keen interest in military history, commemoration and education will be on show today with Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester visiting the Gallipoli to Armistice Military Trail, and the Maryborough Special School.

Mr Chester and Member for Wide Bay, Mr Llew O’Brien MP, today inspected the Military Trail, which is funded by all three tiers of government, and now winds through Queen’s Park in Maryborough.

“The Wide Bay area has a proud history of military service and as we near the centenary of the First World War Armistice, this large-scale project will be a fitting tribute for the whole community. moving into our next century of service,” Mr Chester said.

“In the lead-up to this important commemorative milestone for our country, I have recently approved a grant for the Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch of more than $11,000 under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program.

“This grant will allow the RSL to create a fitting tribute to our current and former serving personnel through two murals — the first commemorating the Armistice Centenary and the second commemorating the service and sacrifice of the Australian Defence Force.

“Our Government is committed to supporting our 290,000 veterans and their families, and provides more than $11.2 billion each year to deliver essential services and programs.”

Llew O’Brien said the two Maryborough RSL murals will be painted by local artist Robbyn Gergos and will add to the rich collection of murals that decorate Maryborough.

“The two new murals will depict the Armistice in 1918 and the other will feature the Australian Defence Force.  Both murals will be located at the Maryborough RSL,” Mr O’Brien said.

As part of Mr Chester’s visit to the area he also toured the Maryborough Special School, which this year won the Best Local History Research project as part of the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards.

Mr O’Brien congratulated the Maryborough Special School and said the community could be proud of the interest of students learning about and commemorating Australia’s military history.

“Not only did the school hold a variety of engaging activities, the students told stories of soldiers from the Maryborough district,” Mr O’Brien said.
“By creating a living relationship between our past and present with our future generation, it ensures the service and sacrifice of current and former defence personnel is never forgotten.”

Mr O’Brien said Maryborough has a rich and proud military history, with the landmark Gallipoli to Armistice Military Trail, complemented by the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum, which is home to an internationally renowned collection of memorabilia, awards and medals. 

“It’s pleasing to see Maryborough’s reputation further enhanced by the work being done by the Maryborough RSL and the Maryborough Special School, ensuring the stories of local service personnel continue to be told so we can all remember and honour them.”
 ENDS